Centre-left coalition retains lead, opinion poll

11/01/2013

Centre-right closes gap, Monti in fourth place

Rome, January 11 - The centre-left coalition led by
the Democratic Party (PD) topped opinion polls on Friday at
34.9% with its centre-right rivals following nearly 10 points
behind.
The Pd alone was polling 29.8% with additional support
provided by coalition allies Left Ecology Freedom of Puglia
governor Nichi Vendola (4.4%) and Democratic Centre (0.7%)
according to a survey conducted by Trieste-based polling
institute SWG on behalf of State broadcaster's left-leaning
third channel Rai 3.
A coalition of centre-right parties led by ex premier
Silvio Berlusconi's People of Freedom (PdL) party raked in 25.3%
of preferences, with the lion's share of 15.7% going to the dL
followed by the regionalist Northern League (6.1%) and the rest
to a host of smaller formations.
Comedian-cum-politician Beppe Grillo's Five Star Movement
continued its downwards slide at 15.9% in the wake of criticism
over an autocratic leadership style.
The centrist coalition headed by technocrat premier Mario
Monti - who decided to throw his hat into the ring just a few
days ago after repeated denials - was polling 13.8% and new
entry Civil Revolution led by former Sicilian anti-Mafia
prosecutor Antonio Ingroia had gained ground with 4.5%.
SWG President Roberto Weber added that Berlusconi may have
gained a couple of points following his feisty Thursday evening
appearance on a left-wing talk show on the small terrestrial
channel La7, which resulted in record viewing figures.
The number of undecided voters or abstentions, while still
high at 33.5%, was falling, he said.
photo: PD leader Pier Luigi Bersani